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TCHTA President Trevor Musgrove Recaps First 100 Days

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#TurksandCaicos, July 14, 2021 – Since 1992, the TCHTA has ardently represented its members providing support through government advocacy, community connectivity, and numerous value-added support programs and services. In 2017, Chairman and former President, Nikheel Advani, set a five-year strategic plan in motion which became the blueprint for progression in the Association’s efforts to represent its members and the wider hospitality community in the Turks & Caicos Islands.

The TCHTA’s 2021-2023 Board of Directors was elected to office in March of this year, with Mr. Trevor Musgrove of Discovery Tours & Adventures leading the body as President for the two-year term.  The Board quickly re-established the association’s committees and set out to continue building on the work in progress and the fulfillment of the new President’s goal to provide enhanced support to small businesses connected to the hospitality industry in these islands.

COMMITTEES

In its first 100 days, the TCHTA’s committees have realigned their missions with new Chairpersons and volunteers from the membership. Advocacy, Education, Marketing, Sustainable Tourism, Villa, Crime & Security, Water Sports, and Allied (non-accommodation) Membership are the banners under which the collective will work to fulfill its commitment to members and to Turks & Caicos islanders affected directly or indirectly by this critical industry.

PRIVATE/PUBLIC PARTNERSHIP

President Musgrove and his team have held valuable meetings with stakeholders in the public sector: Premier, Hon. C. Washington Misick; Deputy Governor, Her Excellency Anya Williams; Minister of Health, Hon. Ejay Saunders; Minster of Tourism, Hon. Josephine Connolly; and Minister of Immigration, Hon. Arlington Musgrove.

These early meetings served to congratulate the dignitaries on their new roles, and to pledge a continued commitment to partnership in achieving advancement for the industry and the country at large.

ADVOCACY

As the country’s borders reopened and the COVID-19 vaccine became available, Turks & Caicos was fortunate to see a steady increase in arrivals to our shores which has now risen to pre-pandemic levels. This has brought with it incidences of overwhelm at our international port of entry which calls for immediate attention.

The TCHTA addressed this issue with the Minister of Immigration, pledging assistance with several ways its members could help offset the negative fallout from the overcrowding at the airport while the Ministry works towards its bigger plans to address the issue.

The Minister and his team are a group of highly motivated individuals, aware that the current infrastructure leaves little room for major change, but positive they can effect immediate relief through short-term changes currently being actioned which include physical enhancements and stronger staffing management.

The TCHTA was allowed to assist with sponsoring and distributing water at the open-air terminal to make travellers more comfortable during their wait and the association will continue to support the Ministry in any way possible in the interim.

The TCHTA extended congratulations to the Deputy Governor and her team at the Ministry of Health for their stellar achievements in navigating the nation’s health throughout the crisis and having the goal of a 70% fully vaccinated population in close reach.

In meeting with the Minister of Health, the CDC level was the main topic of discussion. TCHTA members were instrumental in providing information required to aid the MOH as they lobbied the CDC to lower the country’s risk level in alignment with our low rate of COVID cases per capita and our success with the vaccination of residents throughout the country.

The meeting with the Minister of Tourism was an opportunity to learn more about the management of the TCI Assured Portal. Concerns by travellers to TCI posted on public travel forums and shared with resort reservationists about delays in authorization and an inability to receive timely assistance during the process was addressed.

The Ministry assured the association that though authorizations are being granted closer to the time of travel due to a heavy volume of entry requests, all travellers have received their approvals prior to their travel times. The Ministry also shared that their top priority is resolving the backlog of communications and ensuring responses to emails and phone messages are delivered within 24 hours.

The issue of illegal beach vending was also discussed, as the number of these solicitors is growing at alarming levels in high traffic tourist areas.  The TCHTA and Ministry have pledged to work together with relevant stakeholders and departments to properly regulate this sector and address the matter holistically.

Members of the TCHTA’s Human Resources committee met with Labour Commissioner, Mr. Edwin Taylor. Mr. Taylor educated the group on the expected increase in manpower and portfolio changes within his department that will aid in quicker turnaround times and added process efficiency.

Mr. Taylor welcomed feedback and suggestions from the group and shared that the department’s employment registration drive is ongoing.  He thanked the HR group and TCHTA members for successfully placing the majority of the individuals who were once registered as unemployed within their properties and businesses.

MARKETING

Director of the Turks & Caicos Tourist Board, Pamela Ewing, gave remarks at the TCHTA’s Annual General Meeting in March.  Since then, the TCHTA’s Marketing committee has met with Ms. Ewing and her team to align with the marketing plans for the destination. Several initiatives are on the calendar for the remainder of the year, and the TCHTA will be sharing those opportunities with members as they are fleshed out.

The association has received an overwhelming response to the decision to launch the 3rd edition of the Who’s Who in Business TCI magazine. As such, the Marketing committee announced the relaunch of its premier publication, Destination Turks & Caicos Islands magazine which was not released in 2021. 

The magazine will reemerge in grand style, with its 16th edition (2022) formatted in digital and print versions. Guests will be able to access the magazine in seconds through a QR code visible on tent cards in all guest rooms throughout the country and at hospitality sector businesses. The publication will also be circulated in its usual oversized magazine print format and, for the first time, will be distributed on marketing trips and to subscribers worldwide on mobile-friendly flash drives. Magazines will be available at Turks & Caicos Tourist Board offices in Canada, New York, UK, and Turks & Caicos, and can be accessed and downloaded through the TCHTA’s website. The TCHTA will also be featuring more local writers for this edition of Destination Turks & Caicos.

MEMBERSHIP

The strength of the TCHTA lies in the continued support and engagement of its members.  The association has retained its membership numbers throughout the pandemic and has seen considerable growth to date.

Since the onboarding of the new President and Board of Directors, the TCHTA’s membership numbers have grown by more than twenty with the majority being small local businesses instrumental in supplying services to the tourism sector.

TCHTA CEO, Stacy Cox, remarked “We could not ask for a more supportive membership and are truly thankful that we have been able to see such amazing growth throughout this tumultuous time. As new members come aboard, we become a more diverse group. Our aim at the association is ensuring we give continued support and service to all of our members and to the Turks and Caicos community.”

CONCLUSION

TCHTA President, Trevor Musgrove, is delighted with the early progress in these first 100 days. “At the beginning of the term, we looked at our five-year strategic plan and benchmarked where we stood to help us outline our goals and plan for the way forward. I am proud to say that we were fully on target.  This was a direct result of the hard work of Past President Todd Foss and the previous Board who managed to keep the work of the association progressing despite the country being in the throes of a pandemic.”

He continued, “The TCHTA is a voice for the industry, but also for the people of these islands. I am committed to doing my best to lead this association and carry on the great work that has been started. I am privileged and excited to be working with this team of passionate individuals from all areas of the sector, and I am certain we will continue to represent our members, Turks & Caicos islanders, and brand TCI with excellence.”

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Community Comes Together as ISU Community Engagement Exercise Delivers Essential Services in Kew Town  

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Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – Friday, 3rd July 2026: Residents of Kew Town and neighbouring communities turned out on Saturday, June 27, to access a range of free services and information during the ISU’s Community Outreach Caravan at the Church of God Abundant Life Ministries.

The outreach initiative brought together several government agencies and partner organisations in a single location, providing residents with direct access to health, safety, and emergency preparedness services while creating opportunities for meaningful engagement within the community.

Services available throughout the day included health checks and education, vision screenings, emergency preparedness information, fire safety guidance, and community policing engagement. Participating partners included the Department of Disaster Management and Emergencies, the Turks and Caicos Fire and Rescue Department, the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force’s Community Policing Unit, the Health Promotion and Advocacy Unit, and Menzies Optometry.

The exercise forms part of the ISU’s ongoing community engagement programme, which seeks to strengthen relationships with residents while improving access to public services through collaboration with partner agencies. By bringing multiple service providers together in one location, the initiative offered residents a convenient opportunity to access information, seek advice, and connect directly with agencies whose work supports the well-being of their communities.

The Informal Settlements Unit extends its sincere appreciation to the residents who attended and contributed to the success of the exercise, the partner agencies and organisations that dedicated their time and expertise, and the Church of God Abundant Life Ministries for graciously hosting the event. The Unit remains committed to working alongside communities and partner organisations to deliver initiatives that encourage engagement, strengthen partnerships, and improve access to essential services across the Turks and Caicos Islands.

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Beaches Turks & Caicos resort hosts high school tourism clubs from Providenciales and North Caicos  

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Clement Howell High School students and teachers being welcome by the General Manager at Beaches Turks and Caicos resort, Deryk Meany as they prepare to learn more about the daily operations of the resort and the team

PROVIDENCIALES, Turks & Caicos Islands: Beaches Turks and Caicos Resort recently welcomed students from Clement Howell High School in Providenciales and Raymond Gardiner High School in North Caicos for an immersive educational tour designed to expose young learners to the dynamic world of hospitality and tourism.

The visit formed part of the resort’s ongoing commitment to youth development and community engagement, providing students with insight into the operations of the Caribbean’s leading hospitality brand. During the tour, students were introduced to various departments across the resort, gaining a deeper understanding of the wide range of career opportunities available within the industry.

General Manager Deryk Meany addressed the visiting students, encouraging them to think creatively about their future career paths and to remain open to exploring non-traditional roles within the hospitality sector.

“The hospitality industry is constantly evolving, and there is space for innovation, creativity and leadership at every level,” Meany shared. “At Beaches Turks and Caicos, we are proud to provide opportunities for young people to jumpstart their careers, while also developing the skills needed to grow into future leaders.”

The local youth engaged with team members across multiple disciplines, including guest services, food and beverage, entertainment and operations.

Kawanza Morley, Tourism Club leader at Raymond Gardiner High School, expressed appreciation for the experience, noting its value in reinforcing students’ academic learning.

“This visit allowed our students to see firsthand how what they learn in the classroom translates into the operation,” Morley said. “We are grateful to Beaches Turks and Caicos for their hospitality and for creating such a meaningful and engaging experience.”

Educators accompanying the students also highlighted the importance of continued collaboration between schools and industry leaders. Raphael Delpeche of Clement Howell High School commended the resort for its ongoing support of youth development initiatives.

“We are very pleased with the level of exposure our students received,” Delpeche stated. “This relationship continues to create valuable opportunities for our students to better understand the industry and envision their future within it.”

For many students, the tour provided inspiration and a renewed sense of possibility. Tamani Gardiner, a fourth form student from Raymond Gardiner High School, remarked on the professionalism and efficiency observed throughout the resort. “I was really impressed by how smoothly everything operates,” Gardiner said. “The level of professionalism from the staff shows what it takes to succeed in this industry.”

Similarly, Clement Howell High School student Tanika Lightbourne shared her enthusiasm for continued involvement with the resort through its internship programme.

“I’m looking forward to returning to Beaches Turks and Caicos for another year of internship,” Lightbourne said. “This experience has helped me grow and I’m excited to keep learning and developing as a young professional.”

Through initiatives like these, the resort continues to play a vital role in empowering youth across the Turks and Caicos Islands and preparing them for meaningful careers in one of the country’s most important industries.

 

Photo Caption (insert): Students from the Raymond Gardiner High School pause to capture a photo moment at the Treasure Beach Village overlooking the infinity pool during their recent resort tour and educational experience

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Sandals® and Beaches® Resorts Launch Rebranded Loyalty Program, ‘Island Insiders Club’

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~All-inclusive resort company elevates rewards program, offering expanded benefits and member-only events & experiences, rooted in the spirit of the islands~

MONTEGO BAY, JAMAICA, July 2, 2026 Sandals and Beaches Resorts unveiled today the introduction of its new Island Insiders Club, the next chapter of its refreshed loyalty program. Replacing the long-running Sandals Select Rewards program (established in 2008), the new program is designed to elevate the guest experience with a more immersive approach to awards and recognition. Effective July 1, 2026, the transition will preserve members’ current status and existing benefits, while expanding access to enhanced rewards, exclusive events and enriched experiences that bring members closer to the Caribbean.

“We are expanding how loyalty shows up across every stay to encapsulate what our loyal members already are — an inside part of the Sandals and Beaches family,” stated # SVP of Loyalty at Unique Vacations, Inc., worldwide representative of Sandals and Beaches Resorts. “We developed this program side-by-side with the guests who know the resorts, the islands, and the people best, drawing on extensive focus groups, surveys, and direct feedback. The result is a loyalty experience that goes far beyond points, and is felt in every welcome home.”

Guests can enroll in Island Insiders Club before their very first visit, and begin earning status after their first stay. The program features seven levels of loyalty, the highest being Ambassador, followed by Pearl, Diamond, Emerald, Sapphire, Coral and Shell (which replaces the former Select tier).

More Access. More Recognition. More Caribbean.

Sandals Select Rewards members will roll over to the Island Insiders Club on July 1, 2026, maintaining their status and benefits with no reset.

Island Insiders Club highlights include:

  • Choice of Insider Reward: A flexible credit that lets Insiders choose the experiences that best match their vacation style, from relaxing at the Red Lane Spa to embarking on an adventure with Island Routes.
  • The Insiders Shop: A private online merchandise store featuring premium collections and limited-edition drops, including handcrafted artisanal pieces, available exclusively for Island Insiders.
  • Room Upgrade Hotline: Now available exclusively for members, Insiders can request a room upgrade 30 days prior to travel and receive up to 50% off their upgrade when they call a dedicated number.
  • Dedicated VIP Concierge Line: A one-stop, full-service customer care team supporting Diamond, Pearl, and Ambassador members throughout their vacation journey, helping to book their flights, tours, special requests and more.
  • Expanded Insider Experiences, On and Off Resort: Exclusive Insider events including specialty weeks focused on diving, autism inclusion, and culinary experiences on resort. Plus, access to a series of experiential events across the globe.
  • 20% off Managers Wine List Discount: Returning members receive 20% off the Manager’s Wine List, offering another elevated touch for dinners, celebrations, and special moments on resort.
  • $200 Laundry Service Credit: Ambassador members will receive a $200 laundry service credit, adding an extra layer of ease and convenience to longer stays.
  • Complimentary Week Stay: A complimentary 7-night stay at any resort of choice is awarded to members after every 70 paid nights.
  • New Member Incentive: Those “newly inside” who book and travel will receive 5,000 bonus points after their first stay.

As always, Insiders enjoy special access to cabanas, a complimentary photo on every trip, member discounts on everything from retail and watersports to candlelight dinners, and added savings on future stays at the loyalty lounge.

New Name, New Look and a Nod to Nostalgia

The Island Insiders Club’s refreshed visual identity is built around a simple pair of sandals, now the signature symbol of Island Insiders Club and a throwback to an Insider tradition that’s been worn for decades, from vintage gold and silver pendants in the early days to the leather necklaces shared at member events today.

The new brand look will roll out across consumer touchpoints in the months ahead, from dedicated Island Insiders Club lounges to on resort signage, marketing and sales channels, digital and more, bringing Island Insiders Club to life through a modern design and multiplatform approach.

An Exclusive Inside Scoop

In true Insider fashion, Island Insiders Club was first unveiled to the brand’s most loyal members during a special “Step Inside Our Sandals” video conference. Designed as an Insider-first briefing, the call gives top members an early look at brand news and upcoming developments. Hosted by Peter Menges, the event walked members through the highlights of the new program, what to expect, and the refreshed look and feel of Island Insiders Club, before Sandals and Beaches Resorts’ Executive Chairman Adam Stewart gave an exclusive look at what’s next and the reimagining of three iconic Sandals Resorts in Jamaica.

For more information about Island Insiders Club or to become a member, visit: www.sandals.com/islandinsidersclub.

Go behind-the-scenes of the Island Insiders Club with Peter Menges on the Sandals Palmcast and read the latest on the Sandals blog.

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